Semiotic Research Articles

Religious Moderation in Islamic Films (Buya Hamka Volume 1 Semiotic Analysis)

This study reveals the values ​​of religious moderation contained in the Islamic film Buya Hamka Volume 1 (hereinafter written as Buya Hamka), through Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic analysis. The film Buya Hamka is a film that was released in 2023. This film tells the life story and thoughts of Buya Hamka, a prominent Islamic figure in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to analyze the signs or symbols used in the film Buya Hamka to represent Islamic values ​​and religious moderation. In addition, this research aims to understand the messages that are intended to be conveyed to the audience about religious moderation. The theory used is religious moderation which was popularized by Masdar Hilmy, and also the concept of religious moderation was told by Abdul Aziz and Khoirul Anam in the book Moderasi Beragama Berlandaskan Nilai-Nilai Islam (Religious Moderation Based on Islamic Values). The method used in this study is qualitative with Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic analysis approach. The conclusion of this study is: 1) the Buya Hamka film successfully represents religious moderation through the use of relevant signs or symbols; 2) The characters in the film show an attitude of deep understanding of religion and peaceful conflict resolution.

Corporate social responsibility communication after COVID-19: what values for practical implementation of the SDGs?

PurposeIn line with the growing trend of companies focusing on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), this research paper aims to propose a classification of values of socially responsible companies aligned with the SDGs that these companies could fulfill.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ carried out a qualitative semiotic analysis of four companies as part of the corporate environmental communication initiative to focus on the corporate values conveyed in the messages. Using thematic analysis, the authors’ identified the SDGs achieved by their actions. By coding the values and the SDGs, the authors’ performed a top-down hierarchical classification, linking the value system to the SDGs.FindingsThis research unveils various relationships between corporate communication values and the practical implementation of specific SDGs. This paper sheds light on the central role of utilitarian values in achieving SDGs 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 and highlights the importance of existential values in reaching SDGs 8, 9, 10, 12, 11 and 17. Conversely, no utilitarian values contribute to the realization of SDGs 7, 8, 11, 13 and 17, while no existential values enable the achievement of SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 17.Originality/valueThis research makes a valuable contribution to the achievement of the SDGs by adopting a streamlined approach that aligns with specific company values. The classification of values by SDG provides an in-depth understanding of commitments toward these goals and promotes more coherent integration into corporate culture and business practices. This approach ensures that sustainable progress is aligned with the values communicated in their long-term strategy, enabling businesses to effectively address crises.

Accumulative cartography: a visual semiotic analysis of online mobile maps

Abstract Dynamic maps featured in navigation applications draw on conventional cartographic practices for representing the urban environment, engaging drivers and users of public transportation in their efforts to reach their destinations. However, since these maps are produced within an economy of data accumulation, their construction of territory and user-friendly interface are designed to generate value. In this article, we explore what we define as accumulative cartography—mapping designed for the accumulation of data and capital—by developing a semiotic walk-through method for analyzing dynamic maps. Our visual semiotic analysis of Waze, Moovit, and Gett reveals that their maps are personalized, centering on the user; they commodify space, aiming to promote their specific business models; and they are preoccupied with time. We suggest that in contrast to printed maps, dynamic maps don’t provide users with the information required for navigation but instead navigate algorithmically for them, while accumulating their information.

العمارة في الرواية السعودية: دراسة سيميائية ثقافية.

يهدف البحث إلى دراسة المكان من منظور مختلف، ينطلق من حضور المعالم العمرانية فيه؛ فكما تتأثر العمارة بالسرد في تركيبها، وتقنياتها، وتنظيمها، يستفيد السرد من العمارة في استثمار عناصرها، ومقولات التصميم الخاصة بها، وهو بعد مهم، إلا أن البحث يُعنى بمسار مختلف، يركز على معمارية المكان، وإشاراته السيميائية؛ وعندها يتخذ المعلم المعماري بعدًا جديدًا، يمكن قراءته من منظور يؤول إلى أصله المعماري، ويؤسس لتحوله السردي. وتتضمن مشكلته قراءة تجليات العمارة في أربع روايات سعودية، تعاملت معها من زوايا مختلفة، وغدت مؤثرة في بنيتها، ومضمونها، وهي: (ليلة واحدة في دبي)، و(الأفق الأعلى)، و(حكومة الظل)، و(حُبّى). ويعتمد البحث في منهجه الآليات العامة للتحليل السيميائي، والسيميائية الثقافية؛ حيث السياقات التي تحكم توظيف العمارة في الرواية، لتتجاوز وظائفها التواصلية المعتادة إلى البحث في العلاقات التي تحكم هذه الصروح المعمارية؛ بوصفها أنساقًا سيميائية تنطلق من أبعاد ثقافية متجانسة، ومختلفة، ومتنوعة في الوقت نفسه. وقد توصل البحث إلى أن الأبعاد المعمارية على اختلافها، سواء تعلقت بالتصميم الذي يسبق المعمار أم بالمعمار نفسه؛ تجاوزت المدلولات الواقعية الثابتة لها، إلى ما تؤسسه من بناء تخييلي له دلالات سيميائية وثقافية تقترن بالنصوص السردية نفسها، وترتبط بعناصرها من مكان وزمان، وأحداث وشخصيات، ورواة؛ مما أسلمنا إلى تنوع في وظائفها حسب علاقتها بالنصوص نفسها؛ من التشكيل السردي للعمارة الحديثة، إلى العمارة بين التاريخ والتخييل، ثم معمارية المكان في الفضاء الصوفي. وبعد، فلما كانت العمارة حقلًا سيميائيًا وثقافيًا؛ فإنه يمكن استثمارها في المقاربات النقدية لنماذج شعرية أو سردية أخرى؛ بحيث تستفيد من سيميائية الأصل، وتربطه بعوالم التخييل.

Makna denotasi, konotasi, dan mitos dalam esai “saya dan islam” karya linda christanty: Kajian semiotika roland barthes

The purpose of this research is to describe the meaning of denotation, connotation and myth in the essay "me and Islam" by Linda Christanty. The theory used is Roland Barthes' semiotic theory. The method uses a qualitative method. Then the results of this study show that there are 4 denotation meanings, 4 connotation meanings which include elements of Linda Christanty's name, the school used and the habits carried out by linda in her environment. Then there is the myth contained in this essay "Me and Islam" by Linda Christanty, namely, there is a sentence or proverb that says "Don't Judge a Book by its Cover" which means don't judge someone just by their appearance. Because Islam is a religion to anyone who believes in its teachings and has no connection with culture, while the flow, customs, are a culture of a separate nation. By utilizing the study of semiotics, in this analysis, in particular, it is possible to be more careful in assessing a person, both from the name, stream, culture, and habits carried out by a person. Keywords: Essay, Me and Islam, Semiotics, Roland Barthes

Semiotic Analysis of Kabanti Tula-Tulana Koburu

This research aims to provide an interpretation regarding the aspects of life contained in the meaning of Kabanti Tula-Tulana Koburu in the Wolio community using semiotic analysis. This study used descriptive qualitative method. The data in this research is Kabanti Tula-Tulana Koburu which comes from the book Kabanti Oni Wolio (Wolio Language Poetry) Volume 1. To achieve the objectives of this research, a content analysis method was used using Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic theory. This research is a literature study research. The results of the research conducted found that Kabanti Tula-Tulana Koburu invites us to reflect on various aspects of life such as death, limitations, challenges, hopes and the meaning of life. Kabanti Tula-tulana Koburu highlights the mortal and fragile nature of humans and the importance of facing destiny with awareness and thorough preparation. Apart from that, Kabanti also reminds us to stop negative behavior such as arrogance, excessive joy, and haram actions.

Visualization of Patriarchal Culture in the Film Kartini (2017): A Semiotic Analysis by John Fiske

Film is a medium that represents various socio-cultural realities, enabling the visualization and depiction of social issues, one of which is the culture of patriarchy. Patriarchy is a term used to describe a social system where power, control, and authority are primarily in the hands of men or male figures. Patriarchy is a central theme in the film Kartini. Therefore, the aim of this study is to reveal and understand the hidden meanings that depict the visualization of patriarchal culture in the film Kartini. This study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing John Fiske's semiotic analysis approach. The findings of this research indicate that patriarchal culture is visualized through John Fiske's three codes of encoding, including 1) reality, 2) representation, and 3) ideology, demonstrating that patriarchal culture remains influential in affecting women's lives.

Identity and Nation in Coca-Cola's Thanda Narratives in India: A Semiotic Study

When Coca-Cola re-entered the Indian market in the era of government-initiated liberalization, privatization, and globalization in the 1990s, one of the major challenges it faced was to again penetrate the Indian soft drinks market and acquire a considerable market share over a period of time in view of the fact that it was a foreign brand which had pulled out of Indian market owing to unfavorable legislations in 1977. Given this scenario, Coca-Cola, despite being a global brand with a high recall value, faced tough competition from popular Indian brands like Thums Up, Limca, and Gold Spot, which enjoyed a larger market share during the early 1990s. To meet this challenge, Coca-Cola launched a series of television commercials in Hindi, the national language of the country, featuring its brand ambassador, Aamir Khan, a popular Indian actor. Considered to be one of the most creative and popular advertisement campaigns of its times, the commercials specifically aimed to create a favorable narrative for Coca-Cola in the minds of Indian consumers. All the different versions of the commercial had a common but powerful punch line, which played a major role in positioning the brand at par with the long-standing Indian brands in the market. This research article undertakes a semiotic analysis of the commercials, particularly with the aim of establishing the narrative(s) they offered and how that narrative was instrumental in giving Coca-Cola the makeover it needed to compete with the Indian brands.

A Peircean semiotic analysis of House Stark in A game of thrones

ABSTRACT This study investigates how Peircean semiotics can unpack the multifaceted meanings associated with House Stark, Starks’ sigil ‘direwolf’ and their motto ‘winter is coming’ in George R. R. Martin’s A game of thrones. It presents Charles S. Peirce’s semeiosis, the mathematical and Kantian origins of Peirce’s triadicity and his triadic representation of signs comprising representamen, interpretant and object. In the novel, Peirce’s representamen is the direwolf sigil, the interpretant is the motto ‘winter is coming’ and the object is House Stark. The investigators explore direct relationships between representamen–interpretant (sigil–motto), interpretant–object (motto–House Stark) and object–representamen (House Stark–sigil). They conclude how the context has changed the meaning of Starks’ sigil and motto. While the study posits that every sign and sentence in the novel functions as a Peircean sign, this investigation focuses on three elements of House Stark: the sigil, the motto and the house itself. The novel has excellent room for future research, particularly by applying Peircean semiotics as an analytical tool. This approach promises a fresh perspective on the story’s elements and a deeper understanding of how the narrative reflects and connects to real-world social structures, events and broader themes.

Reading Between The Shadows: Barthes' Semiotic Analysis of 'The Monstrumologist' Cover Design

The book cover design plays a crucial role in attracting readers' attention and conveying the essence of the story within. This article analyzes the cover of "The Monstrumologist" by Rick Yancey, designed by Olvyanda Ariesta, using Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. The analysis explores three levels of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. At the denotation level, visual elements such as a dark road, large shadow, red blood, and a big clock are identified and described. At the connotation level, these elements reveal deeper meanings related to themes of horror, threat, and the tension of time. At the myth level, the combination of these visual elements reflects profound cultural and social values about the struggle between good and evil, as well as human fear of the unknown. Furthermore, this article discusses the influence and experimentation of the designer in achieving an engaging and meaningful final design. Through a qualitative approach with an emphasis on literature studies, this article presents a comprehensive analysis of how the visual elements on the cover of "The Monstrumologist" not only attract attention but also convey deep themes within the story. The results of the analysis show that this cover design successfully creates a rich visual narrative and enhances readers' experience of this horror novel.

Navigating Contemporary Islamic Reason: An Epistemological Analysis of Mohammed Arkoun

This research examines the profound epistemological critique and semiotic analysis of Islamic thought by Mohammed Arkoun, focusing on his challenge to traditional paradigms within Islamic scholarship. Arkoun argues that Islamic reason has historically been confined by dogmatic interpretations, which has limited its evolution in the context of modern challenges. Employing a historical-critical methodology and a semiotic approach, Arkoun seeks to uncover layers of meaning that have been obscured by traditionalist readings and to demonstrate the need for a more critical and dynamic interpretation of Islamic texts. Arkoun’s critique explores the historical, linguistic, and cultural contexts that shape Islamic thought, advocating for an approach that acknowledges the influence of these factors on religious interpretation. His analysis reveals how Islamic thought, if unchallenged and unchanged, risks stagnation in a rapidly evolving world. Through a detailed examination of Quranic discourse and the application of modern critical theories, Arkoun proposes a deconstruction of the 'thinkable' and challenges the 'unthinkable' within Islamic thought. This study emphasizes the importance of revisiting the epistemological foundations of Islamic knowledge to foster a more inclusive, reflective, and adaptive intellectual tradition. Arkoun's work provides valuable insights into the potential for Islamic thought to engage more profoundly with contemporary issues, urging a reform that embraces critical inquiry and the exploration of diverse interpretative possibilities.

Constructing Masculinity in Men’s Skincare Advertising: A Semiotic Study Utilizing Roland Barthes’ Theory

Constructing Masculinity in Men’s Skincare Advertising: A Semiotic Study Utilizing Roland Barthes’ Theory

Standpoint Suicide Attempts Dalam Film Kembang Api

Suicide is a serious public health issue, with approximately 800,000 deaths each year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Indonesia, suicides are increasing, reaching 971 incidents by 2023. The movie "Kembang Api" raises the issue of mental health, suicide and emphasizes the importance of the value of life. This research aims to analyze the reasons behind the suicide attempt in the movie "Kembang Api" through the Standpoint perspective using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. The method used in this research includes analyzing the visual and verbal signs in the film to reveal the emotional and psychological burden experienced by the characters. The results show that these signs reflect heavy emotional and psychological burdens, reinforcing the representation of the characters' reasons for considering suicide. The film depicts the complexity of each character's emotions and struggles, emphasizing the importance of empathy, social support and understanding of mental health issues. Thus, the movie "Kembang Api" becomes a social mirror that invites viewers to understand and support individuals struggling with emotional and psychological problems.

SPIRITUAL THEMES AND POETIC STYLE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS IN YASAWI AND BLAKE’S WORKS

This article is a comparative analysis of the works of AhmedYasawi, a representative of the Kazakh literary tradition, and William Blake, a great poet of the English Romantic school. The study aims to identify common spiritual themes and artistic strategies in the works of these two poets, as well as to search forpossible interrelations in their poetic styles. Both poets address deep spiritual issues such as love, mysticism, and the meaning of human existence. The analysis identifies unique traits and similar motifs in Yasawi and Blake's work, demonstrating how they use artistic techniques to express their philosophical beliefs.The article helpsreaders a deep dive into the world of Yasawi and Blake's poetry, revealing the common themes and symbols that permeate their works. Not only are the texts themselves analyzed, but also the context in which they were created, reflecting the influence of cultural, religious, and philosophical factors on their work.The study intends not only to broaden our understanding of Yasawi's and Blake's poetry, but also to emphasize the universality of the themes addressed by the literature of different cultural traditions. It invites readers to immerse themselves in a world of mysticism, love, and spiritual quest, providing new keys to interpreting the works of these outstanding poets. Methodological approaches such as textual analysis, comparative analysis, semiotic analysis, literary review and critical theory were used throughout the study.The comparative analysis of the works is a relevant study that enriches cultural dialog andreveals the deep spiritual aspects of their works that are relevant to the contemporary global context.The study of these authors works has practical value for a deeper understanding of cultural and spiritual contexts, as well as theoretical value by providing a basis for a broader discussion of the influence of literature on intercultural dialog.

Semiotic Analysis of Tapis Tuho Cloth (Old Tapis) as Lampung Ceremonial Clothing

Semiotic Analysis of Tapis Tuho Cloth (Old Tapis) as Lampung Ceremonial Clothing

Analisis Dramaturgi Dalam Film Dear David

Film is a medium of learning for the audience that is not only an entertainment, it can also convey direct messages through images, dialog and plays. Netflix has become one of the global streaming platforms that can be accessed in Indonesia since 2016. Dear David is a Netflix original movie in the genre of romantic fantasy drama that airs in 2023 directed by Lucky Kuswandi. The movie Dear David received a lot of debate, because this movie contains sexual fantasies in women. This research aims to find out how the dramaturgical analysis in the movie Dear David. The method used is a qualitative approach using Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic analysis technique through three stages, namely representamen, object and interpretation. Each scene of the film illustrates that there is dramaturgy in the film Dear David through several scenes, namely heterosexuality, women are free to choose how to enjoy their freedom according to their respective tastes and styles. Femenism is that women have power that is arbitrary towards others and self-acceptance is a form of being able to accept their identity and respect others. The results of this study show that the dramaturgy in the film Dear David is depicted by the main character Laras that the story of the film Dear David shows the existence of a front stage showing her as an outstanding high school student and a back stage as a child with heterosexual sexual fantasies as evidenced by having a privacy fantasy blog. Overall, this movie provides an overview of the dramaturgical approach not what is done, but the reasons for how it can be done.

Semiotic Analysis of Twitter Logo Change to Logo X: User Interface (UI) Design and User Psychological Perspectives

Semiotic Analysis of Twitter Logo Change to Logo X: User Interface (UI) Design and User Psychological Perspectives

Semiotic Power in Films of Apichatpong Weerasethakul

This research aims to analyze the semiotic power in the films of Apichatpong Weerasethakul through a qualitative study approach. The researcher employs methods of textual and contextual analysis, utilizing semiotics theory and intermedial references, including intermedial topography. Data are collected from films, articles, interviews, and critiques. Additionally, in-depth individual interviews are conducted to reflect and support the data obtained from film analysis. The selection of purposive sampling focuses on feature-length entertainment films where Apichatpong Weerasethakul serves as both the screenwriter and director, and the films have received awards or nominations at international film festivals such as Cannes. The total number of films selected for analysis is five: "Blissfully Yours" (2002), "Tropical Malady" (2004), "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives" (2010), "Cemetery of Splendour" (2015), and "Memoria" (2021). The research findings reveal that semiotic analysis, following semiotics theory, delves deep into the films, encompassing both denotative and connotative meanings. It emphasizing themes like medicine and public health, forests, myth, gender, politics, memory, love, sleep, truth & illusion, marginal people, time, instinct, and orchids. Through intermedial analysis, the use of symbols to create meaning is evident, fostering diverse media networks that broaden understanding and interpretation. These symbols span various genres such as auteur, ghosts of Thai folklore, experimental, sci-fi, Hollywood, and postmodernist. In-depth interviews correlate with themes of semiotic power related to forests, politics, medicine, and public health, facilitating creative exchanges. Even without direct communication, symbols convey connotative meanings effectively. With their performance skills and memories, the director and actors act as intermediaries, fostering profoundly meaningful works.

«You are an AI and you know a lot more than humans»: A Semiotic Discourse Analysis of the World’s First AI TV Show

«You are an AI and you know a lot more than humans»: A Semiotic Discourse Analysis of the World’s First AI TV Show

CONTEXTUAL APPROACH TO TEACHING THE ELECTIVE DISCIPLINE “THEORY OF MASS COM- MUNICATION” TO BACHELORS OF PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITIES (SPECIALITIES “GEOGRAPHY” AND “MUSICAL ART”)

The article covers the main principles of the contextual approach in studying the elective course “Theory of Mass Communication” in pedagogical universities. The aim of the article is to substantiate the effectiveness of applying the contextual approach to teaching the elective course “Theory of Mass Communication” to undergraduate students in pedagogical universities (specialties “Geography” and “Music Art”); to develop situational tasks aimed at fostering media literacy, the ability to codify, and the creation of informational sectoral blocks for dissemination in educational and media spaces. In the research, methods of content analysis, specification, problem-posing, as well as task-based and contextual approaches were used. It has been found that the study of university-wide elective courses appeals to interdisciplinarity in thematic correlation. On the one hand, it involves developing a system of situational tasks that contribute to improving the professional training of students in the specialties “Geography” and “Music Art”. It has been substantiated that the contextual approach is oriented towards teaching material based on methodological foundations, theoretical sectoral knowledge, and forms of activity. The context in the study of academic disciplines involves transforming didactic material, where the objective meanings and significance of sectoral knowledge are transformed into the personal experience of the future teacher. The integral platform allows for the design of situational tasks, the resolution of which combines educational and educational-professional experience. Situational tasks, based on the contextual approach to teaching the course “Theory of Mass Communication”, are built considering the professional training of students in higher pedagogical institutions in the specified specialties (“Geography” and “Music Art”). The didactically processed field of mass communication as a university-wide discipline encompasses thematic blocks such as “Basics of Mass Communication”, “Artistic and Aesthetic Parameters of Mass Com- munication”, “Sociological and Psychological Dimensions of Mass Communication”, and “Mass Communi- cation in the Conditions of Digital Society”. A diachronic consideration of the development of mass communications allows for identifying the cul- tural and historical factors that shape the transmission paths of channels aimed at the recipients of certain knowledge. Addressing the diachronic consideration of mass media information significantly expands the un- derstanding of its essence and the processes of information transmission within mass communication models. It has been outlined that the social and psychological aspects of mass communication determine the language behaviour of professional communicators. This specific feature was taken as the basis in develop- ing situational tasks for communicators – future geographers and musicians. The prepared tasks were cor- related with the normative disciplines studied at the stage of professional training. It has been concluded that studying the elective course “Theory of Mass Communication” based on the contextual approach contributes to the development of professional competencies of teachers who transmit sec- toral information in the conditions of the informational educational environment. It has been proved that the study of semiotics of mass communication should be considered at the level of modelling cultural codes (since geographical names, musical and artistic works contain cultural and historical information, which is actualized in educational discourse at the stage of transmitting sectoral knowledge). Situational tasks, aimed at transmitting sectoral information at the level of a professional communicator (manifestation of language culture), should ap- peal to conducting press conferences as a type of communication, building one’s professional image. The expe- rience of students working with advertising material considering the professional training direction is positive.